(riten.) ritenuto

Definition: The Italian musical command ritenuto, often abbreviated riten., is an indication to suddenly (and temporarily) decrease the tempo; to hold back for dramatic effect.

• Ritenuto is sometimes abbreviated rit., which also stands for ritardando.

Also Known As:

• retenu; en retenant (Fr)
• zurückhaltend (Ger)

Pronunciation: riht'-en-OO-doh (U.S.); ree'-tten-OO-toh


More Italian Musical Commands:

• dolcissimo
• a piacere
• vivace
• rubato
• smorzando